Hello all, I'm perplexed on what the heck this thing is for. I've tried google searches and asking everyone I come across. I'm in the middle of a headlinerrebuild and leak hunt on this 1979 Endeavour 37, A plan. It was leaking but I fixed that, now I'm just wondering if I should keep it or take it out and epoxy the hole closed. Someone put time, effort and money to install this but I can't seem to find a use for it.
Thank you
John

Oh, and by the way the rod is on the aft part of the mast. I've been told it was for lightning protection but I just don't see that. The mast is grounded by wire attached to the base. And excuse the mess, looking at the pictures feels like being photographed in my boxers! Been refitting so long I'm used to it but still embarrassing to show others 😳
John

No boom bang on this boat unfortunately. No eye on masthead either. Just the rod attached to keel then through the deck to eye fitting. It spun freely when we bought the boat, but it also leaked. I butyl taped around the fitting and tightened down so it doesn't spin or leak.

Sanibel, thank you, that makes sense. It just doesn't seem to be stout enough if forces are that strong. It's attached good at the keel but just a washer and a nut connected to the ring at the deck where mast comes through.

The eye is an accessory, could have been a nut, but should have a better backing plate or sometimes tied into mast collar. Likely poorly engineered install job. Forces are present with or withour halyard loads which are minimal in comparison to standing rigging loads.

Tie rods are common on race boats that are lightly built and highly loaded. F'rinstance see Olson 30's